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Scope for Ruger #1 deer rifle

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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scope for Ruger #1 deer rifle
    Posted: March/13/2015 at 06:54
So, I bought my 45-70 for OH deer hunting. It will be a "standing" rifle to reach out a bit. Also, I would like to be able to bang the 10" 300 yd gong easily at the local club.

So, I'll be loading up 300 gr JSP's to 2200-2300 fps.

I'm looking to scope this gun with a scope like:
- low mag - 1-2.5x
- high mag - 7-10x
- BDC reticle
- 4" eye relief
- reliable turrets...not twisting to shoot
- small profile and weight < 16 oz
- decent optics to 3-500 yards
- ideally gloss finish

Ideas?

My idea is a Vortex Diamondback HP 2-8 BDC
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Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2015 at 11:22
http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x33-VX-2-Ultralight-Riflescope-P51838.aspx

The BDC on a second focal plane scope is only designed to be used at maximum magnification. I would probably put A first focal plane scope if I was to use BDC marks or mil dots for known hold over marks. The Super Sniper. SS. 3-9X42 is a FFP w tactical knobs but Leupolds. Balistic Compensating scopes do essentially the same thing in a hunting type scope allowing you to dial in correction rather than hold over.
If I was going to try to take it to 300 yds I would dial in correction with tactical knobs or a similar system like using Leupold balistic compensating knobs custom engraved to match a specific load. 45-70 is like a musket they have a very steep trajectory. You will need a lot of range time.

Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - March/13/2015 at 11:32

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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2015 at 16:42
In this setup, I don't find SFP a hindrance. Keep on 2x walking to position or through scruff. Turn to 8x when standing for BDC use as required.

I do find turrets a hassle with the quicker shots of whitetail hunting and 150 or 200 yd shooting.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2015 at 17:25
I love #1's (I'm a SS slut). Finding a gloss scope (within your criteria) is tough. You will be limited (pretty much) to Leupy. I'd be giving the custom shop a call. One of my favorites is the 2.5-8 x 36. Mine has the post and duplex reticle. That may not fill your need, but you have options with them. Report back!!!
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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2015 at 17:25
Or maybe a Burris Fullfield E1 2-7x35....I've looked through these and been very impressed.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 09:13
I don't care much for Leupold, but the 2.5-8x36 has always been a favorite of mine.  One of the best hunting scopes I ever had, on a custom 30-06.  
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tahqua View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 10:32

My #1 45-70 has a 1-4x24 with an illuminated reticle  and I find it well suited for anything I will use this rifle for. Mine is also matte finish and I don't think it detracts from the looks of the Ruger and I personally like the way a straight tube sits on the #1.

For gloss there is http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-VX-3-Riflescope-P12631.aspx

For low light there is http://swfa.com/Leupold-125-4x20-VX-R-30mm-Riflescope-P48030.aspx

..and if you don't mind the knobs I can definitely recommend  http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P78365.aspx   The SS has hold over capability, the optics are crisp and the illumination is adjustable over a wide range. It is quite nice for low light hunting use.


Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 14:21
Doug, are those Warne rings?
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 15:15
You did not really mention your price range, but since you mentioned Vortex Diamondback HP 2-8x32, I assume you are looking in the $400 range.

In that case, the Diamondback HP is the one to beat if you can live without gloss finish.

If you would rather have a straight tube scope in the same price range, the SWFA SSDM is an excellent option I have been beating one up for a bit and it is excellent:
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P78365.aspx

Now, if you are willing to go up in price, I can offer other suggestions.

ILya
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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 16:56
So, you would put an exposed knob 1-4x on a Ruger #1 45-70.

It's not really a GI Joe style gun.

Also, I want to be able to see the animals a bit better.
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2015 at 21:23
Exposed knows do not have to be adjusted and as long as they are low profile enough their presence does not make much difference. The reticle in that scope does make a difference since it is very fast.
Either way, my original question still stands: what is your budget?

ILya
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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2015 at 05:49
About $350 or so
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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2015 at 09:18
Then my original recommendations stand. I think that the Diamondback HP 2-8x32 is your best bet. I have one here and I think it is excellent.

If you really want a gloss finish, then Leupold makes several good options: 6x36, 4x33 and 2.5-8x36 come to mind. Fir the lightest possible weight you can also consider the 2.5-7x28 Ultralight.

Of threes the VX-3 2.5-8x36 is easily my favorite, but it is a touch over your budget.

ILya
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nksmfamjp View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2015 at 10:17
Thanks for the update koshkin.  I value your input.

Gloss seems to be basically impossible buy or at least choice limiting.  It was a want and not worth adding price for.  I do like the sound of the Diamondback HP.  The side focus is weird on a 45-70, but the optics sound much better than the diamondback.  Also, I like the longer eye relief for the big kicker caliber that the 45-70 can be.

So, the Diamondback HP 2-8x is what I ordered.  The BDC is an excellent match for my load or a 300gr HP at 2200-2300 fps.  The BDC will line up well as 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300.  Good for deer and ringing steel!

I wonder how it will compare to my Nikon Monarch 3 2-8x BDC on my AR?  That thing is incredibly fun!  Went from a Millet DMS 1-4x to this and it is an amazing difference.  I can see!  I know people love 1-4x's, but to me they are worthless on anything smaller than a human silhouette beyond 100 yards.

If I wasn't potentially busting brush, the 3-9x would be nice hunting scope.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2015 at 13:00
Originally posted by bugsNbows bugsNbows wrote:

Doug, are those Warne rings?

Yes they are.
Doug
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